A homily on Luke 10:13–16 reminding us that ignoring God’s warnings can lead to ruin, but listening and acting brings life. (3-10-25)
Praise be to Jesus Christ
Once there was a village by the sea and everything was peaceful and Normal. The children played on the shore, and fishermen went out every morning. One day some warnings were given. The sea was getting restless; a great wave could come at any time. Some laughed and said, “The sea is always like this, why should we worry.” Others closed their ears, saying, “We do not want to hear bad news.” But a few listened. They took their families and moved to the hill nearby. The day came. The calm sea rose in anger, the great wave swallowed houses, boats, and even lives. Only those who listened and acted were saved.
This is what Jesus is telling in today’s Gospel. He says, “Woe to you.” These are not words of hate but words of sorrow from a heart full of love. He had healed the sick, opened blind eyes, preached the good news. Yet many did not listen. Their lives went on as if nothing had happened. The miracles were before their eyes, but their hearts were closed.
When we think about it, we too are very blessed. We have the Church, the Holy Eucharist, the sacraments, the Word of God. Jesus is with us every day. But if we do not open our ears, if we do not change our lives, will not the same words fall on us, “Woe to you”?
Think of the story of Lot’s wife in the Old Testament. She was warned not to look back when leaving Sodom. But she turned her eyes back, and she became a pillar of salt. She heard the warning but did not take it to heart. Listening is not enough. Obedience is what saves.
Saint Augustine once said, “God who created you without you will not save you without you.” God offers grace, but we must respond. If we keep delaying, the day may come when the wave of sin, despair, or sorrow sweeps away our family life. In some homes today, people are not speaking to each other, anger is deep, prayers are forgotten. If we keep saying, “Tomorrow I will change, tomorrow I will forgive,” one day tomorrow will not come.
In religious life too, there are warnings. A saintly priest once said, “The fall of a vocation never begins with a big sin, but with small neglects.” At first prayer is shortened, silence is broken, little excuses are made. Then slowly the fire of love dies out. Like the calm before the tsunami, the outside may look fine, but inside the storm is building.
Dear friends, Jesus is not trying to frighten us. He is like a mother warning her child not to play near the well. His cry “Woe to you” is not a curse, it is a plea. Will you listen? Will you take the step today, not tomorrow? If you have broken relationships in your home, heal them today. If prayer has become cold, warm it today. If the sacraments have been neglected, return today.
Let us not wait for the wave to strike. Let us be like those few who listened and moved to the hill. Then, when the storm comes, we will be safe in the arms of Jesus.
Lord Jesus, open our ears and hearts to your voice.
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God Bless…
Wonderful full worning to be altered and Hear the voice of God,And to be ready to Meet Him Oh God When That Day Comes ??? Thank you Fr, Nirmal Mary SAB,
Super